Disinfecting Methods and Apparatus

ABSTRACT

Light disinfecting systems are provided in which light emanating from an end or side of an optical fiber is used to disinfect a target site. According to one implementation a light beam emanating from an end emitting optical fiber is directed into a body that includes a plurality of optical surfaces that are configured to direct at least a portion of the beam of bacterial disinfecting light to the target site. According to one implementation the plurality of optical surfaces include a first refractive optical surface, a second refractive optical surface and a total reflective surface with the total reflective optical surface being disposed between the first and second refractive optical surfaces in a designated optical pathway of the beam of bacterial disinfecting light.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/852,742 filed Dec. 22, 2017.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for disinfectingany of a host of surfaces including those associated medical deviceinsertion sites and superficial wounds of a patient.

BACKGROUND

Unwanted and dangerous bacteria growth can occur on devices that arecommonly used to treat patients and also around sites in which thedevices are inserted into a patient. These devices may include centralvenous catheters, urinary catheters, ventilators, wound protectiondevices, laparoscopic surgical devices, etc. Bacterial growth in thewound(s) of a patient is also problematic. Hospital acquired infectionsaccount for a substantial yearly expense to hospitals and insurancecompanies, and are a major cause of extending hospital stays forpatients. Equipment or components outside the medical field, such aswater processing plants, food processing plants, dairies, livestockhabitation facilities, etc. are also susceptible bacteria growth.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to some implementations disclosed herein light is used todisinfect the surfaces of devices used in the medical treatment ofpatients. According to other implementations light is used to disinfectmedical device insertion sites on a patients or the wound site of apatient. The light may be any wavelength of light that is capable ofkilling bacteria, such as, for example, ultra violet (UV) light and bluelight which may be delivered by one or both of a radially emittingoptical fiber and an end emitting optical fiber.

An advantage of using light to kill bacteria is that it is notsusceptible to the danger of antimicrobial resistance that can occurwith the use of pharmacologic or chemical agents. Another advantage isthat there are severe side effects associated with many pharmacologic orchemical agents are avoided.

It is important to note that although the forthcoming disclosure isdirected primarily to the medical field, the devices and methodsdisclosed herein can also be applied to other fields. These may include,for example, equipment or components of water processing plants, foodprocessing plants, dairies, livestock habitation facilities, etc.

These and other advantages and features will become evident in view ofthe drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B respectively show a side view and cross-section view ofa radially emitting optical fiber according to some implementation;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an end emitting optical fiber accordingto some implementations;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a central venous catheter assemblyaccording to some implementations.

FIG. 4 illustrates a main shaft of the central venous catheter assemblyof FIG. 3 inserted into the venous system of a patient at an insertionsite.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective top view of an insertion site disinfectingdevice according to one implementation.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective bottom view of the disinfecting device ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective front view of the disinfecting device of FIG.5 with the cover removed.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective rear view of the disinfecting device of FIG.7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective top view of the cover of the disinfecting deviceof FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a perspective bottom view of the cover of the disinfectingdevice of FIG. 5.

FIG. 11A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an optical body of adisinfecting device according to one implementation.

FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating the light flow path between opticalsurfaces in accordance with one implementation.

FIG. 12 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the disinfecting deviceof FIG. 7 that shows overlapping first and second light beamspropagating from the bottom of the disinfecting device.

FIG. 13A is a diagram illustrating the light flow path between opticalsurfaces of an optical body in accordance with another implementation.

FIG. 13B is a diagram illustrating the light flow path between opticalsurfaces of an optical body in accordance with another implementation.

FIG. 13C illustrates a perspective view of an optical body according toone implementation.

FIG. 14 is a schematic drawing of a disinfecting device that isconfigured to direct four light beams to a disinfecting target area.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate an end emitting optical fiber having an endcap attached to a distal end thereof.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an end emitting fiber housed within thelumen of a rigid structure.

FIG. 17 shows an optical fiber assembled inside a lumen or recess of anoptical body according to one implementation.

FIG. 18A illustrates an optical body according to one implementationwherein the refractive optical surface at the end wall of an opening orrecess in the optical body is tilted an angle with respect to thelongitudinal axis of the opening or recess.

FIG. 18B illustrates an implementation wherein the distal end of theoptical fiber is angled to inhibit back reflectance of light into thecore of the optical fiber.

FIG. 19A illustrates an optical fiber assembled in an optical bodyaccording to one implementation.

FIG. 19B illustrates an optical fiber assembled in an optical bodyaccording to another implementation.

FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate exemplary key configurations of a rigidstructure that houses a distal end section of an optical fiber and theopening or recess of an optical body.

FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate an optical fiber assembly according to oneimplementation that includes a rigid structure and an end cap.

FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate optical fiber assemblies according to otherimplementations that includes a rigid structure and an end cap.

FIG. 23 shows a rigid structure according to one implementation thatincludes one or more radially extending features to limit thelongitudinal advancement of the rigid structure into the opening orrecess of an optical body.

FIG. 24 shows an optical fiber according to one implementation thatincludes one or more radially extending features to limit thelongitudinal advancement of the optical fiber into the opening or recessof an optical body.

FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate a bottom of a light disinfecting devicehaving one or more footings.

FIG. 26 is an isometric view of an optical body having two totalinternal reflection optical surfaces according to one implementation.

FIG. 27 illustrates a cross-sectional schematic side view animplementation of the optical body of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a light disinfectingdevice having a light diffuser fitted to the base of the device.

FIG. 29A illustrates a kit that includes a light disinfecting device andan absorbent pad that in use is configured to be disposed between thelight disinfecting device and the insertion site of a patient.

FIG. 29B illustrates the kit of FIG. 28A with the light disinfectingdevice positioned atop the absorbent pad.

FIG. 30 shows the light disinfecting device of FIG. 5 integrated with acentral venous catheter system.

FIG. 31 illustrates a conventional wound vacuum apparatus.

FIGS. 32A and 32B show different a perspective views of a lightdisinfecting assembly integrated with a conventional wound vacuumapparatus and configured to deliver disinfecting light to a wound siteof a patient.

FIG. 33 shows the light disinfecting assembly of FIG. 31.

FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view of a wound light disinfectingassembly according to one implementation.

FIGS. 35A, 35B and 35C are perspective views of a light disinfectingdevice according to one implementation.

FIG. 36A is a top perspective view of a lower element of a disinfectinglight pad according to one implementation.

FIG. 36B is a bottom perspective view of the lower element of FIG. 36A.

FIG. 37A is a top perspective view of an upper element of a disinfectinglight pad according to one implementation.

FIG. 37B is a bottom perspective view of the upper element of FIG. 37A.

FIG. 38 illustrates an optical fiber layout of a light disinfecting padaccording to one implementation.

FIG. 39A shows a top perspective view of a light disinfecting systemaccording to one implementation.

FIG. 39B is a top view of the light disinfecting system of FIG. 39A.with the upper element of the light disinfecting pad removed.

FIG. 40 is a top view of a light disinfecting assembly showing a routingof optical fibers inside a light disinfecting pad according to oneimplementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is a schematic side view of a radially emitting fiber with aplurality of voids in the core of the radially emitting optical fiber 12having a central axis 16. FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-section of aradially emitting optical fiber 12 as viewed along the direction 1B-1Bin FIG. 1A. Radially emitting fiber 12 can be, for example, an opticalfiber with a nano-structured fiber region having periodic ornon-periodic nano-sized structures 32 (for example voids). In an exampleimplementation, fiber 12 includes a core 20 divided into three sectionsor regions. These core regions are: a solid central portion 22, anano-structured ring portion (inner annular core region) 26, and outer,solid portion 28 surrounding the inner annular core region 26. Acladding region 40 surrounds the annular core 20 and has an outersurface. The cladding 40 may have low refractive index to provide a highnumerical aperture. The cladding 40 can be, for example, a low indexpolymer such as UV or thermally curable fluoroacrylate or silicone.

An optional coating 44 surrounds the cladding 40. Coating 44 may includea low modulus primary coating layer and a high modulus secondary coatinglayer. In at least some implementations, coating layer 44 comprises apolymer coating such as an acrylate-based or silicone based polymer. Inat least some implementations, the coating has a constant diameter alongthe length of the fiber.

In other exemplary implementations, coating 44 is designed to enhancethe distribution and/or the nature of radiated light that passes fromcore 20 through cladding 40. The outer surface of the cladding 40 or theof the outer of optional coating 44 represents the sides 48 of fiber 12through which light traveling in the fiber is made to exit viascattering, as described herein.

A protective jacket (not shown) optionally covers the cladding 40.

In some implementations, the core region 26 of radially emitting fiber12 comprises a glass matrix 31 with a plurality of non-periodicallydisposed nano-sized structures (e.g., voids) 32 situated therein, suchas the example voids shown in detail in the magnified inset of FIG. 1B.In another example implementation, voids 32 may be periodicallydisposed, such as in a photonic crystal optical fiber, wherein the voidsmay have diameters between about 1×10-6 m and 1×10-5 m. Voids 32 mayalso be non-periodically or randomly disposed. In some exemplaryimplementations, glass 31 in region 26 is fluorine-doped silica, whilein other implementations the glass may be an undoped pure silica.

The nano-sized structures 32 scatter the light away from the core 20 andtoward the outer surface of the fiber. The scattered light is thendiffused through the outer surface of the fiber 12 to provide thedesired illumination. That is, most of the light is diffused (viascattering) through the sides of the fiber 12 and along the fiber lengthwithout the need to remove any portion of the cladding 40.

According to some implementations the nano-sized structures 32 areformed in the cladding 40 of the fiber in lieu of or in conjunction withproviding nano-sized structures in the core 12.

According to some implementations the core 20 has a diameter in therange of 125-300 μm and the overall diameter of the fiber system,including the protective jacket, is in the range of 700 to 1200 μm.According to some implementation, the outer diameter of the fiber 12without a jacket is in the range of 200-350 μm.

A detailed description of exemplary radially emitting optical fibers maybe found in Reissue Pat. No. RE46,098 whose content is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

An example of a radially emitting optical fiber is the Fibrance® LightDiffusing Fiber manufactured by Corning® Incorporated located inCorning, N.Y. The Fibrance® Light Diffusing Fiber has many of theattributes of the radially emitting fiber 12 described above. Anadvantage of the Fibrance® Light Diffusing Fiber is that it emits lightessentially along its entire length and has a small functional bendradius of around 5 millimeters which allows it be easily bent to assumea host of shapes. Breakage of the fiber typically occurs when it is bentto a bend radius of less than about 2 millimeters.

Radially emitting fibers like those disclosed in Reissue Pat. No.RE46,908 do not require the removal of a light reflective component orlight reflective element to enable the emission of light radially fromthe optical fiber.

An end emitting optical fiber is an optical fiber that emits light froma terminal end of the fiber. Such emitted light is referred to herein as“end emitted light”. A multimode optical fiber 50, like that shown inFIG. 2, is one example of an end emitting optical fiber wherein light isguided down the center of the fiber through the core 51 and out the endthereof. The fiber 50 includes a core 51 surrounded by a cladding 52.The cladding 52 has a lower index of refraction than the core 51 andtraps the light in the core using an optical technique called “totalinternal reflection.” The fiber 50 itself may include a coated “buffer”to protect the fiber from moisture and physical damage. The core 51 andcladding 52 are usually made of ultra-pure glass, although some fibersare all plastic or a glass core and plastic cladding. According to someimplementations the core 51 has a diameter in the range of 50-250 μm andthe diameter of the cladding 52 is typically around 100-500 μm. Theoverall diameter of the fiber system, including the buffer coating 53,is typically around 150-750 μm. Breakage of the fiber typically occurswhen it is bent to a bend radius of less than about 2 millimeters.

A “transport fiber” as used herein, refers to an optical fiber thattransports light longitudinally through its core to an end of the fiberwith little loss. That is, the vast majority (e.g., ≥90%) of the lightfed into a proximal end of the transport fiber is delivered to theterminal end of the fiber. As explained in more detail below, transportfibers are used in a variety of the implementations disclosed andcontemplated herein to couple a light source (e.g., a laser) to aradially emitting optical fiber and/or end emitting fiber. According tosome implementations, the transport fibers disclosed herein aremultimode optical fibers.

It is important to note that a radially emitting optical fiber, like theexamples discussed above, may also emit light from the core 20 at aterminal end of the radially emitting optical fiber 12. Thus, accordingto some implementations a disinfecting of a device may occur as a resultof bacterial disinfecting light being emitted from both thecircumference and the end of a radially emitting fiber. An optical fiberdesignated for this use is referred to herein as a “dual emittingfiber”.

Blue light and ultra-violet light have been shown to kill or curtail thegrowth of certain types of unwanted bacteria that is hazardous andpotentially fatal to mammalian life. Examples of such bacteria areStaphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Leuconostocmesenteroides, Bacillus atrophaeus, Escherichia coli, Coagulase-negativestaphylococci etc. In treatments involving a mammal, blue light ispreferred over ultra-violet light due to detrimental effects ofultra-violet light on mammalian cells and possible damage to hosttissue. In accordance with some implementations disclosed herein bluelight at a wavelength of between 400-495 nm and an exposure of between100-1,000 Joules/cm² is employed to kill the unwanted bacteria.According to other implementations, ultra-violet light at a wavelengthof 10-400 nm and exposure up to 6 J/cm² is employed to kill unwantedbacteria.

It is important to note that the present disclosure is in no way limitedto the use of blue light and ultra-violet light to kill unwantedbacteria. As briefly explained above, the present disclosurecontemplates the use of any type of light that is susceptible to killingunwanted bacteria.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a CVC 100 according to oneimplementation. In this implementation, the CVC includes a main shaft200 having three working lumens through which different types oftherapeutic agents may be delivered to the patient. The working lumensmay also serve as conduits for receiving other types of medicalinstruments such as, for example, a guidewire that is used to guide thedistal end portion of the main shaft 200 to a desired location in thevenous system.

In the example of FIG. 3, the CVC 100 includes three infusion shafts 300having working lumens that are fluidly and respectively coupled to thethree working lumens of the main shaft 200 through a hub 400. That is,the lumen of each of the infusion shafts 300 is separately fluidlycoupled to one of the working lumens of the main shaft 200. The mainshaft 200 of the CVC 100 may comprise more or fewer working lumens withthere being a corresponding number of infusion shafts. For example, themain shaft 200 of the CVC 100 may have one, two or four working lumenswith a corresponding one, two or four infusion shafts 300.

A light delivery umbilical 500 comprising one or more transport fibersmay be provided to transport light from a light source to one or moreoptical fibers disposed in one or more of the main shaft 200, infusionshafts 300 and hub 400. The light delivery umbilical 500 may include oneor more proximal connectors 501 to couple one or more light sources tothe one or more transport fibers.

A detailed description of a host of exemplary implementations isprovided in co-owned application Ser. No. 15/629,494 which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

As discussed above, unwanted and dangerous bacteria growth can occur ondevices that are commonly used to treat patients and also around sitesin which the devices are inserted into a patient. The insertion site ofa main shaft of a CVC is an example of such a site. FIGS. 5-30illustrate a light disinfecting devices 600 that are adapted to deliverbacterial disinfecting light to an insertion site, such as the insertionsite of a main shaft of a CVC. It is appreciated that the lightdisinfecting devices and assemblies disclosed herein may be used tobacterially disinfect any desired surface and not just the insertionsites of medical devices. As will be discussed in more detail below, thesurface may include a wound or any other site on the human body. Thesurface may also be associated with equipment or components outside themedical field, such as water processing plants, food processing plants,dairies, livestock habitation facilities, etc.

With reference to FIGS. 5-13C, the light disinfecting device 600includes a base 601 having a bottom surface 606 through which bacterialdisinfecting light exits to irradiate a surface in proximity thereof. Inthe implementation of FIG. 6, the bottom surface 606 is flat. However,according to other implementations the bottom surface 606 may be anon-planar surface that comprises, for example, one or more of aninclined, declined, curved, convex and concave surfaces. Device 600 alsoincludes a cover 602. The cover 602 and base 606 each comprise avertically extending through opening that together formulate ahorizontal slotted opening 603 that has a distal open end. The openended slotted opening 603 enables the device 600 to be easily positionedacross, for example, a medical device (e.g. catheter) insertion site ofa patient. That is, the device 600 may be positioned around the medicaldevice by introducing the medical device into the open distal end of theslotted opening 603 and sliding the device until the insertion site is,for example, centrically located inside the device 600. According to oneimplementation, the cover 602 includes a saddle 604 in the form of arecess that includes a bottom surface on which at least a portion of themedical device (e.g. main shaft of a CVC) may rest when the lightdisinfecting device is positioned bout the insertion site.

In the implementation of FIG. 7 the light disinfecting device 600includes first and second optical bodies 610 and 620, respectively. Eachof the first and second optical bodies is configured to respectivelyreceive light emanated at the terminal end of optical fibers 611 and621, and to alter the trajectory of the light so that it passes throughthe bottom surface 606 of the base 601. It is appreciated that the lightdisinfecting device may comprise only one optical body or may comprisethree or more optical bodies.

As discussed above, a radially emitting optical fiber may also emitlight from a terminal end thereof in addition to the light it radiallyemits. An optical fiber designated for this use is referred to herein asa “dual emitting optical fiber”. According to some implementations theend emitting optical fibers 611 and 621 are not dual emitting opticalfibers and are configured to only axially end emit light with respect tothe longitudinal axis of the optical fiber core. That is, no light isemitted from any side of the optical fiber with all light propagatingfrom the terminal end in a forward direction toward an optical surfaceof an optical body (e.g. forward towards the first refractive opticalsurface 615 of the optical body 610 of FIG. 11A). This type of opticalfiber is referred to herein as an “end emitting optical fiber”.According to other implementations each of the optical fibers 611 and621 is a dual emitting optical fiber in which a majority of the lightemitted by the optical fiber is axially end emitted light. According tosome implementations each of the optical fibers 611 and 621 is a dualemitting optical fiber in which greater than 80% of the light emitted bythe optical fiber is axially end emitted light. According to someimplementations each of the optical fibers 611 and 621 is a dualemitting optical fiber in which greater than 90% of the light emitted bythe optical fiber is axially end emitted light. According to someimplementations each of the optical fibers 611 and 621 is a dualemitting optical fiber in which greater than 95% of the light emitted bythe optical fiber is axially end emitted light.

An optical fiber umbilical cord 605 has a distal end 607 that isconnectable to the light disinfecting device base as shown in FIG. 7.Each of the optical fibers 611 and 621 emerges from the distal end 607of the optical fiber umbilical cord 605 and extends into a respectiverecess or opening 612 and 622 in optical bodies 610 and 620 where thedistal end of the optical fibers reside. A proximal end (not shown) ofthe optical fibers 611 and 621 is optically coupled to one or more lightsources (not shown). The one or more light sources may include, forexample, lasers or light emitting diodes. According to someimplementations each of the optical fibers 611 and 621 is opticallycoupled to different light sources, while according to otherimplementations the optical fibers 611 and 612 are optically coupled toa common light source.

According to one implementation each of the first and second opticalbodies 610 and 620 is similarly configured to direct light emitted fromthe end of the optical fiber 611,621 downward toward the base 601 of thelight disinfecting device 600. According to some implementations thefirst and second optical bodies are configured such that light 633emanating from the base of the first optical body 610 and the light 623emanating from the base of the second optical body 620 overlap with oneanother as shown in FIG. 12. In use, the overlap of the light occurs ata target disinfecting location 631. According some implementations thefirst and second optical bodies 610 and 620 are located on oppositesides of the opening 603 and are substantial mirror images of oneanother as shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 11A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an optical bodyaccording to one implementation. In regard to the implementation of FIG.7, one or both of the optical bodies 610 and 620 has a configurationconsistent with that shown in FIG. 11A. According to someimplementations the first and second optical bodies 610 and 620 are ofsimilar construction but are configured so as to each direct lightinward toward the central opening 603 of the disinfecting device 600. Inthe disclosure that follows reference to the first optical body 610 ismade. It is to be appreciated that according to some implementations thedisclosure is equally applicable to the second optical body 620 in thatthe two optical bodies are of the same or similar construction.

In the implementation of FIG. 11A the optical fiber 611 is an endemitting fiber wherein a totality of the light beam propagates from theend 613 of the optical fiber 611 in a forward direction towards areflective surface 617 that in turn reflects the light beam rearward anddownward toward the base 601 of the light disinfecting device 600.According to some implementations the reflective surface 617 is alsoangularly oriented or shaped to cause the light beam to be directedinward toward the central opening 603 in the disinfecting device 600. Inthe implementation of FIGS. 11A and 11B the first optical body 610comprises a first refractive optical surface 615, a second refractiveoptical surface 618 and the reflective surface 617, with the reflectivesurface 617 being located in a pathway of the light beam 619 between thefirst and second refractive optical surfaces. Those portions of thefirst optical body 610 located between the first refractive opticalsurface 615, reflective surface 617 and second refractive opticalsurface 618 are made of a material that is substantially transparent orat least translucent to the light emitted by the optical fiber 611.According to some implementations the material is a Teflon or apolycarbonate.

In regard to the first and second refractive optical surfaces 615 and618 the trajectory of the light beam is altered as a result of beingrefracted. Refraction is a deflection from a straight path undergone bya light ray or energy wave in passing obliquely from one medium (such asair) into another (such as glass or a plastic) in which its velocity isdifferent.

In regard to the reflective surface 617, according to someimplementations all portions of the light beam 619 impinging on it aretotally reflected downward and rearward onto the second refractiveoptical surface 618. In the implementation of FIGS. 11A-B the entiretyof the light beam 619 emitted by the first optical fiber 611 is causedto pass through the first refractive optical surface 615 and onto thereflective surface 617. According to some implementations the reflectivesurface 617 is a continuous surface that is capable of reflecting thelight beam 619 in a substantially uniform manner as depicted in FIG. 11.The meaning of the term “continuous surface” is not meant to include amedium in which spatially separated reflective particles or voids areused to reflect or scatter light.

According to some implementations the reflective surface 617 comprises alight reflector in the form of, for example, a mirror, a metal, a filmsuch as a layer of light reflective paint, etc.

According to other implementations the reflective surface 617 is a totalinternal reflection optical surface. Total internal reflection is thephenomenon which occurs when a propagated wave strikes a medium boundaryat an angle larger than a particular critical angle normal to theincident surface. If the refractive index is lower on the opposing sideof the boundary and the incident angle is greater than the criticalangle, the wave cannot pass through and is entirely internallyreflected. The critical angle is the angle of incidence above which thetotal internal reflection occurs. This is particularly common as anoptical phenomenon, where light waves are involved.

When a wave reaches a boundary between different materials withdifferent refractive indices, the wave will in general be partiallyrefracted at the boundary surface, and partially reflected. However, ifthe angle of incidence is greater (i.e. the direction of propagation iscloser to being parallel to the boundary) than the critical angle—theangle of incidence at which light is refracted such that it travelsalong the boundary—then the wave will not cross the boundary, but willinstead be totally reflected back internally. This can only occur whenthe wave in a medium with a higher refractive index reaches a boundarywith a medium of lower refractive index. For example, it will occur withlight reaching air from plastic, but not when reaching plastic from air.

According to some implementations the outer side of surface 617 isbounded by a medium having a refractive index less than the refractiveindex of the material that forms the first optical body 610. Accordingto some implementations the first optical body 610 is made of a polymer(e.g. polycarbonate) and the lower refractive index medium is air.

In the context of the present application, the term “reflector” and“light reflector” do not encompass a total internal reflection opticalsurface, but instead include polished surfaces, mirrors, metals and thelike that reflect light regardless of the incident angle.

According to some implementations an index matching material, such as agel or adhesive 616, is positioned in a gap that separates the end 613of the first optical fiber 611 from the end wall of lumen 612. The indexmatching material is selected to have a refractive index between that ofthe core of the first optical fiber 611 and that of the first refractiveoptical surface 615 formed in or located on the end wall of lumen 612.

As noted above, according to some implementations the first and secondoptical bodies 610 and 620 may be made of a polymeric material.According to some implementations the polymeric material has an index ofrefraction of between about 1.4 to about 1.7 as compared to air that hasan index of refraction of 1.0. The polymeric material may be, forexample, a Makrolon® polycarbonate produced by Covestro having an indexof refraction of 1.618. In the implementation of FIGS. 11A-B there arethree optical surfaces used to direct light from the first optical fiber611 to a target location located at or near the bottom surface 606 ofthe base 601. As explained above, according to some implementations thereflective surface 617 is a total internal reflection optical surfacethat is bounded on one side by a plastic material and on the other sideby air. In addition, the angle of inclination of the reflective surface617 is chosen so that the incident angle at which light impinges on thesurfaces is greater than the critical angle, the critical angle beingthe inverse sine of the ratio of the index of refraction of air over theindex of refraction of the plastic that forms the first optical body610. With the index of refraction of plastics ranging between about 1.4to about 1.7, according to some implementations the critical angle isgreater than about 46 degrees to greater than about 36 degreesrespectively depending on the specific index of refraction of theplastic that is used in the construction of the first optical body 610.

FIG. 11B is an exemplary diagram of an optical body showing a pathway ofthe light beam 619 as it passes through and out of the optical body. Thelight beam exiting the first refractive optical surface 615 is bound byouter light rays 619 a and 619 c. Light ray 619 b represents a light raypositioned centrically between the outer light rays 619 a and 619 c asthe light beam exits the first refractive optical surface 615. The lightrays 619 a-c representing the light beam 619 strike the reflectivesurface 617 at incident angles A, B and C, respectively. According toone implementation the incident angles A, B and C are 38.8 degrees, 51.5degrees and 64.2 degrees respectively. The light beam reflected from thereflective surface 617 is represented by rays 19 d, 19 e and 19 f thatrespectively represent reflected light rays 19 a, 19 b and 19 c. Thelight rays 619 d-f strike the second refractive optical surface 618 atincident angles D-F, respectively. According to one implementation theincident angles D, E and F are 9.7 degrees, 3.0 degrees and 16.7degrees, respectively. The light beam exiting the second refractivesurface 618 is represented by light rays 619 g-i. As shown in FIG. 11Bthe composition and configuration of the optical body results in adivergence in the light beam as it exits the second refractive opticalsurface 618. According to one implementation the divergence angles G, Hand I of diverging rays 619 g, 619 h and 619 i are 15.8 degrees, 4.9degrees and 17.3 degrees, respectively. Accordingly, a light beam havinga spread J of about 33 degrees is produced at the outlet of the secondrefractive optical surface 618.

According to one implementation the angles K and M are about 38.5degrees and 10.0 degrees, respectively, the distance L is about 6millimeters, and the straight-line distance between locations x and y isabout 4 millimeters.

According to one implementation the first refractive optical surface 615is a flat surface oriented orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 611 a ofthe optical fiber 611. That is, the first refractive optical surface 615lies in a plane that is parallel to the y-z plane as depicted in FIG.11B. (In the implementation of FIG. 11B the x and y axes of the xyzcoordinate system is rotated by the angle M.) According to otherimplementations the first refractive optical surface 615 is curved(convex or concave) in order to obtain a desired spread of the lightbeam exiting the surface 615. According to other implementations thefirst refractive optical surface 615 is oriented non-parallel to the y-zplane and is tilted upward or downward about the z-axis and/or to a sideabout the y-axis in order to minimize back reflectance into the opticalfiber 611 and to facilitate light coupling into the polymeric material(or other material) that forms the optical body 610. According to someimplementations the surface 615 is tilted about the z-axis by about 2 toabout 10 degrees, and preferably between about 4 to about 8 degrees.According to some implementations the surface 615 is tilted about they-axis by about 2 to about 10 degrees, and preferably between about 4 toabout 8 degrees.

According to one implementation the reflective surface 617 is a flatsurface oriented non-orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 611 a of theoptical fiber 611. According to one implementation, as shown in FIGS.11A and 11B, the reflective surface 617 is oriented non-parallel to they-z plane and is tilted with respect to the z-axis so that the lightbeam impinging of the reflective surface is reflected downward towardthe second refractive optical surface 618. According to someimplementations the reflective surface 617 is further tilted to faceinward or to face outward for the purpose of directing the reflect lighttoward one side or the other of the optical body. In the implementationof FIGS. 7, 8, 11A and 11B the reflective surface 617 is tilted to faceinward to cause the reflected light (e.g. rays 619 e-f) to be directedinward in a direction toward the central opening 603 of the lightdisinfecting device 600.

In the implementation of FIGS. 11A and 11B, the second refractiveoptical surface 618 is flat. According to other implementations, as willbe discussed in detail below in regard to the implementations of FIGS.13A-C, the second refractive surface 618 may be curved (convex orconcave) in order to obtain a desired spread of the light exiting thesecond refractive optical surface 618.

An advantage of introducing light into an optical body that initiallypropagates in a non-orthogonal direction with respect to a treatmentsurface and directing the light from the end of an optical fiber to thetreatment site using three or more optical surfaces is that it providesa great deal of flexibility in producing a desired irradiance (e.g. 5mW/cm²-500 mW/cm²) of a desired size (e.g. 0.5 cm²-900 cm²) in arelatively compact manner. For example, one or more of the location,angular orientation, shape and curvature of the optical surfaces 615,617 and 618 may be manipulated to produce a desired disinfecting resultin terms of irradiance and size. According to one implementation, theoptical body of FIG. 11A has a thickness “t” of between about 8-10millimeters and a length “1” of between about 10-15 millimeters. Inaddition, as explained above, multiple optical bodies with such featuresmay be incorporated into a single light disinfecting device (such asthat provided in the disinfecting device of FIG. 7) in order to producea desired disinfecting result. FIG. 12, as explained above, is anexample in which two light beams from two separate optical bodies 610and 620 are caused to overlap one another to create a desired irradianceacross a desired area. Irradiance is cumulative in the area(s) ofoverlap.

In implementations employing multiple optical bodies, each of theoptical bodies and its associated optical fiber(s) are configured toequally contribute to the irradiance produced at the outlet of thesecond refractive optical surface 618. According to otherimplementations each of the optical bodies and its associated opticalfiber(s) are configured so as to not equally contribute to theirradiance produced at the outlet of the second refractive opticalsurface 618.

Although not required, according to some implementations the lightdisinfecting device 600 includes a cover 602 that resides over the oneor more optical bodies and optical fibers of the device in order toprotect the components from external influences (e.g. touching,contamination, etc.). In the implementation of FIG. 11A the air gap 614resides between the reflective optical surface 617 and the inner surfaceof the cover 602. As shown in FIG. 10, according to some implementationsthe bottom of the cover 602 is equipped with a plurality of posts 624and a pair of clips 625 that are configured to mate with complementaryreceptacles in the base of the light disinfecting device 600 to hold thecover securely to the base.

FIG. 13A is a diagram illustrating the light flow path between theoptical surfaces of an optical body in accordance with anotherimplementation. As with the implementation of FIGS. 11A and 11B, theoptical body 640 (see FIG. 13C) includes a first refractive opticalsurface 615, a second refractive optical surface 618 and a reflectivesurface 617 located between the first and second refractive opticalsurfaces. The optical body 640 is similar in construction to theimplementations of the first optical body 610 described above exceptthat the second refractive optical surface is curved. In theimplementation of FIG. 13A the optical surface 618 is convex to create agreater spread of light J at the outlet of the second refractive opticalsurface 618 as compared to that of the implementation of FIG. 11B.According to other implementations, however, the second refractiveoptical surface 618 may be concave to produce a smaller spread J at theoutlet of the second refractive optical surface 618 as compared to thatof the implementation of FIG. 11B. By altering the curvature of thesecond refractive optical surface 618 the irradiance and surface area ofthe light beam exiting the second refractive optical surface 618 can bemodified.

With continued reference to FIG. 13A, the light beam exiting the firstrefractive optical surface 615 is bound by outer light rays 619 a and619 c. Light ray 619 b represents a light ray positioned centricallybetween the outer light rays 619 a and 619 c as the light beam exits thefirst refractive optical surface 615. The light rays 619 a-crepresenting the light beam 619 strike the reflective surface 617 atincident angles A, B and C, respectively. According to oneimplementation the incident angles A, B and C are 38.8 degrees, 51.5degrees and 64.2 degrees respectively. The light beam reflected from thereflective surface 617 is represented by rays 19 d, 19 e and 19 f thatrespectively represent reflected light rays 19 a, 19 b and 19 c. Thelight rays 619 d-f strike the second refractive optical surface 618 atincident angles D, E and F, respectively. According to oneimplementation the incident angles D, E and F are 21.5 degrees, 0.0degrees and 21.5 degrees, respectively. The light beam exiting thesecond refractive surface 618 is represented by light rays 619 g-i. Thecomposition and configuration of the optical body 640 results in adivergence in the light beam as it exits the second refractive opticalsurface 618. According to one implementation the divergence angles G, Hand I of diverging rays 619 g, 619 h and 619 i are 36.4 degrees, 0.0degrees and 36.4 degrees, respectively. Accordingly, a light beam havinga spread J of about 55 degrees is produced at the outlet of the secondrefractive optical surface 618.

According to one implementation the angles K and M are about 38.5degrees and 10.0 degrees, respectively, the distance L is about 6millimeters, and the straight-line distance between locations x and y isabout 4 millimeters.

In the implementation of FIG. 13A the second refractive optical surface618 has a radius of curvature of 15.0 millimeters. According to otherimplementations the radius of curvature is between about 1.0 to about25.0 millimeters.

FIG. 13B is a diagram illustrating the light flow path between theoptical surfaces of an optical body in accordance with anotherimplementation. The optical body of FIG. 13B is similar to the opticalbody of FIG. 13A except that the distance L between the first refractiveoptical surface 615 and the reflective surface 617 and the distance Nbetween the reflective surface 617 and the second refractive opticalsurface 618 is greater resulting in a larger spread of light at theoutlet of the second refractive optical surface 618.

With continued reference to FIG. 13B, the light beam exiting the firstrefractive optical surface 615 is bound by outer light rays 619 a and619 c. Light ray 619 b represents a light ray positioned centricallybetween the outer light rays 619 a and 619 c as the light beam exits thefirst refractive optical surface 615. The light rays 619 a-crepresenting the light beam 619 strike the reflective surface 617 atincident angles A, B and C, respectively. According to oneimplementation the incident angles A, B and C are 38.8 degrees, 51.5degrees and 64.2 degrees respectively. The light beam reflected from thereflective surface 617 is represented by rays 19 d, 19 e and 19 f thatrespectively represent reflected light rays 19 a, 19 b and 19 c. Thelight rays 619 d-f strike the second refractive optical surface 618 atincident angles D-F, respectively. According to one implementation theincident angles D, E and F are 26.1 degrees, 0.0 degrees and 26.1degrees, respectively. The light beam exiting the second refractivesurface 618 is represented by light rays 619 g-i. The composition andconfiguration of the optical body results in a divergence in the lightbeam as it exits the second refractive optical surface 618. According toone implementation the divergence angles G, H and I of diverging rays619 g, 619 h and 619 i are 45.3 degrees, 0.0 degrees and 45.3 degrees,respectively. Accordingly, a light beam having a spread J of about 64degrees is produced at the outlet of the second refractive opticalsurface 618.

In regard to the implementations of FIGS. 13A-C it is appreciated thatthe optical surfaces 615, 617 and 618 may possess any of a variety ofangular orientation and shapes as discussed in the description of theimplementations of FIGS. 11A and 11B.

As discussed above, a light disinfecting device may include one or moreoptical bodies. FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of a lightdisinfecting device 650 that includes four optical bodies 651 a-d thatare each configured to direct disinfecting light 654 a-d downward to atarget area 652. In the implementation of FIG. 14 each of the opticalbodies 651 a-d is respectively optically coupled to an optical fiber 653a-d. The optical bodies 651 a-d may each comprise the features of theoptical bodies hereto and hereafter described.

As discussed above, in FIG. 11A the end of the optical fiber 611 isshown positioned in a recess or opening of the optical body 610 with theend 613 of the optical fiber spaced a distance from the first refractiveoptical surface 615. FIG. 17 shows a partial cross-sectional side viewof an optical body 610 according to one implementation wherein a port678 is provided to facilitate the introduction of the index matchingmaterial 616 into the opening 612. An intervening index matching gel oradhesive 616 is disposed between the end 613 of the optical fiber 611and the first refractive optical surface 615. According to someimplementations the optical fiber 611 is an end emitting optical fiberlike that of FIG. 2 with the distal end section residing inside theopening 612 of the optical body 610.

As discussed above, according to some implementations the firstrefractive optical surface 615 may be tilted/angled in order to preventa reflectance of light back into the core of the optical fiber 611. FIG.18A illustrates such an implementation wherein the angle A with respectto the longitudinal axis 611 a of the optical fiber 611 is between about2 to about 10 degrees, and preferably between about 4 to about 8degrees. In conjunction with, or in lieu of providing a tilted/angledfirst refractive optical surface 615, the end 613 of the optical fiber611 may also be angled by an angle B with respect to the longitudinalaxis 611 a of the optical fiber 611 as shown in FIG. 18B for the samepurpose of preventing the back reflectance of light into the fiber core.According to some implementations the angle B is between about 2 toabout 10 degrees, and preferably between about 4 to about 8 degrees.

FIG. 15A shows a perspective side view of an end portion of an endemitting optical like that described above in conjunction with FIG. 2.In the implementation of FIG. 15A the distal end of the end emittingoptical fiber 50 is attached to and optically coupled to an end cap 654.FIG. 15B shows a cross-section of the end cap 654 according to oneimplementation. The fiber includes a glass or polymer core 51 with acladding 52 and a buffer layer 53 disposed about the core. The end cap654 includes a cylindrical body 655 that houses a medium 656 that isoptically coupled to the fiber core 51. The medium is transparent to thelight it receives from the core 51 and has an index of refraction thatis the same or close to that of the fiber core 51. The medium is sizedand shaped so that the light that exits the distal end 659 of the endcap 654 has a power density that is lower than the power density of thelight when it leaves the fiber core 51. This is accomplished by wideningthe light beam received from the fiber core. The widening of the lightbeam occurs as a result of the medium having a greater diameter thanthat of the fiber core. In the example of FIG. 15B, the diameter of themedium 656 increases between its proximal and distal ends 658 and 659,respectively. However, according to other implementations the medium maybe cylindrical or spherical in shape. Coupling of the end cap medium 656to the fiber core 51 may occur in several ways. According to one methodthe proximal end of the medium is fused with the fiber core. Accordingto other implementations the medium 656 is formed from the fiber core51.

According to each of the implementations disclosed herein the distal endof the optical fiber that delivers light into the respective opticalbodies (e.g. optical bodies 610 and 620) may be equipped with an end cap654. In such implementations the distal end of the end cap is consideredto be the terminal end of the optical fiber. In the implementation ofFIGS. 11A and 11B, for example, the end of the optical fiber 611 maycomprise an end cap that is arranged to end emit disinfecting lighttoward the first refractive optical surface 615. According to someimplementations an index matching material, such as a gel or adhesive,is positioned in a gap that separates the end 659 of the end cap 654from the end wall of lumen/recess 612. In such an implementation, theindex matching material is selected to have a refractive index betweenthat of the end cap medium 656 and that of the first refractive opticalsurface 615 formed in or located on the end wall of lumen 612.

According to some implementations, at least a portion of the distal endsection of the optical fiber 611 that resides inside the lumen/recess612 is encased within a rigid structure. The rigid structure may be, forexample, a rigid cylindrical body 670 having a through lumen 671 inwhich the distal end section of the optical fiber 611 resides asillustrated in FIG. 16. According to some implementations the distal endsection of the optical fiber 611 is affixed inside the lumen 671 of therigid body 670 by use of an adhesive, such as an epoxy. According to oneimplementation the through lumen 671 of the rigid body 670 has an innerdiameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the opticalfiber 611 so as to permit the distal end section of the optical fiber tobe easily inserted into the lumen 671. As discussed above, the distalend section of the optical fiber 611 may be affixed inside the lumen 271by the use of an adhesive.

According to one implementation the device is constructed by introducingthe fiber 611 into and through the lumen 671 so that the distal end 613of the fiber 611 resides flush or substantially flush with the distalend 672 of the rigid body 670, resides slightly distal to the distal end672 of the rigid body 670, or resides slightly proximal to the distalend 672 inside the lumen 671 of the rigid body 670. The distal endsection of the fiber 611 is then affixed inside the lumen 271 asdiscussed above. This can be followed by a grinding and/or buffing ofthe fiber 611 and/or distal end face 672 of the rigid body 670 in orderto cause the end 613 of the optical fiber 611 to be flush with thedistal end face 672 of the rigid body 670 as shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 19A shows a cross-sectional side view of an optical body 610wherein the distal end section of the optical fiber 611 is supported andaffixed inside a rigid structure 670, which is in turn supported andaffixed inside the optical body opening/recess 612. An index matchinggel or adhesive 616 is positioned between the end of the optical fibercore 51 and the first refractive optical surface 615 and has an index ofrefraction between that of the core 51 and the optical surface 615. Asshown in FIG. 19B, according to some implementations the distal end face672 of the rigid body 670 and the distal end 613 of the optical fiber611 are angled to prevent light emitted from the optical fiber to beback reflected into the core 51. The angle of inclination of the tiltmay be between about 2 to about 10 degrees, and preferably between about4 to about 8 degrees in relation to the longitudinal axis of the opticalfiber. According to some implementations the optical fiber 611 is heldinside the lumen 671 of the rigid structure by an index matchingmaterial that is the same or similar to the index matching gel oradhesive 616 positioned between the end of the optical fiber core 51 andthe first refractive optical surface 615.

It is important to note that the external shape of the rigid structure670 may take on any of a variety of shapes. According to someimplementations the external shape of the rigid structure 670 and theinternal shape of the opening/recess 612 of the optical body 610 aredesigned to be keyed to one another. In this way, the rigid structure670 is required to be oriented inside the opening/recess 612 in aparticular way. For example, in the implementation of FIG. 19B the rigidstructure 670 is keyed in the opening/recess 612 of the optical body 610to cause the angle of inclination of the end face 672 of the rigidstructure to be oriented slanting downward as shown in the figure. Therigid structure 670 may also be keyed inside the opening/recess 612 tosimply prohibit its rotation therein. FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate twoexample key configurations.

The rigid structure 670 may comprise any of a variety of materials, suchas metals, ceramics, plastics, etc. The use of a rigid structureprovides a number of advantages. First, it inhibits breakage at thedistal end section of the optical fiber during an assembling of theoptical fiber with the optical body 610 as a result of the distal endsection of the optical fiber being protected inside the rigid structureto prevent or inhibit the fiber from being bent. Second, it provides amore consistent placement of the optical fiber 611 inside opening/recess612 of the optical body 610 to allow the distal end 613 of the opticalfiber 611 to be properly aligned with the first refractive opticalsurface 215. Third, because the distal end 613 of the optical fiber 611is firmly held inside the rigid structure 670, the distal end of thefiber may be more easily polished to provide better optical coupling inthe form of less light loss.

According to some implementations the rigid structure 670 is made of athermally conductive material that is capable of enhancing thedissipation of heat generated at and/or adjacent the distal end of theoptical fiber 611. In the context of the present disclosure a thermallyconductive material is a material that has a greater thermalconductivity and/or thermal mass than that of the cladding 52 or bufferlayer 53 of the optical fiber. A material of greater thermal mass isconsidered herein to be a material that has a higher specific heatcapacity and density than that of the cladding 52 or buffer layer 53 ofthe optical fiber. The material may be, for example, stainless steel.

As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, according to some implementations aportion of the rigid structure 670 protrudes proximally from theopening/recess 612 of the optical body 610. According to otherimplementations the proximal end 673 of the rigid structure 670 is flushwith a rear face 676 of the optical body 610. According to otherimplementations the proximal end 673 of the rigid structure 670 residesinside the opening/recess 612 of the optical body 610.

As shown in FIG. 19A, according to some implementations the proximal endsection of the rigid structure 670 comprises radially extending fins 675that increase the surface area through which heat may be dissipated fromthe rigid structure 670.

Heat is typically generated at locations where light loss occurs, suchas the interface of the end of the optical fiber core 51 with the indexmatching material (e.g. gel or adhesive) 616 and at the interface of theindex matching material 616 and the first refractive optical surface615. As illustrated in FIGS. 19A and 19B, at least the distal end face672 of the rigid structure 670 is in thermal contact with index matchingmaterial 616. The rigid structure 670 is also thermally coupled to thefirst refractive surface 615 via the index matching material 616.

As discussed above, according to some implementations the optical fiber611 is equipped with an end cap to reduce the power density of the lightdelivered to the first refractive optical surface 615. FIG. 21Aillustrates an implementation wherein an end cap 654 is used inconjunction with a rigid structure 670. FIG. 21B shows the assembledoptical fiber 611, end cap 654 and rigid structure 670 affixed to theoptical body 610.

According to one implementation the distal end 613 of the optical fiber611 is affixed to and optically coupled with the end cap 654 in themanner described above. Thereafter, the distal end section of theoptical fiber is positioned in the lumen 671 of the rigid structure 670with a proximal face 666 of the end cap 654 in abutment with the distalface 672 of the rigid structure 670 as shown in FIG. 21A. The opticalfiber 611 may be back loaded into the lumen 671 of the rigid structure670 by introducing the proximal end of the optical fiber into the distalopening of the lumen 671 and proximally advancing the optical fiberuntil to the end cap 654 abuts the distal end face 672 of the rigidstructure 670. According to other implementations the rigid structure670 is provided with a slit or gap that runs the length of the rigidstructure to permit the optical fiber 611 to be side loaded into thelumen 671 of the rigid structure through the slit or gap. Attachment ofthe optical fiber 611 to the rigid structure is accomplished by use ofan adhesive that is introduced into the lumen 671 of the rigid structure670 after placement of the optical fiber inside the lumen 671.Attachment can also occur by affixing the end cap 654 to the distal endface 672 of the rigid structure 670 by use of an adhesive. In eithercase, according to some implementations the adhesive possesses an indexof refraction between that of the optical fiber core 51 and the firstrefractive optical surface 615.

According to some implementations the distal end section of the opticalfiber 611 is constructed such that the end cap fully or at leastpartially resides inside the rigid structure 670 as shown in FIGS. 22Aand 22B. According to some implementations the internal through lumen671 of the rigid structure 670 has a uniform diameter as shown in FIG.22A. According to such an implementation the outer diameter of the endcap 654 is sized to be slightly less than the inner diameter of thelumen 671 so that the end cap can be easily introduced into andsubstantially centrically located inside the lumen 671. According to oneimplementation attachment of the optical fiber 611 to the rigidstructure 670 is achieved by introducing an adhesive into the lumen 671.In the implementation shown in FIG. 22A the distal end of the end cap654 is arranged flush with the distal end face 672 of the rigidstructure 670. According to other implementations the distal end of theend cap 654 protrudes distal to the distal end face 672. An advantage oflocating at least a portion of the end cap inside the lumen of the rigidstructure is that it allows the end cap to be centrically self-alignedinside the central through lumen 671. This assist in establishing aconsistent optical path between the outlet of the end cap 654 and thefirst refractive optical surface 615.

According to some implementations the internal through lumen 671 of therigid structure comprises a proximal section 671 a with a first diameterand a distal section 671 b with a second diameter, the second diameterbeing greater than the first diameter as shown in FIG. 22B. According tosuch implementations the end cap 654 resides at least partially in thedistal section 671 b of the lumen and the distal end portion of theoptical fiber 611 attached to the end cap resides inside in the proximalend section 671 of the lumen. Like the implementation of FIG. 22A, thedistal end of the end cap 654 may be arranged flush with the distal endface 672 of the rigid structure 670, or may protrude a distance distalto the distal end face 672. In regard to each of the implementations ofFIGS. 22A and 22B, according to some implementations the rigid structure670 comprises a longitudinal slit or gap that opens into the innerthrough lumen 671 to permit the optical fiber 611 to be side loaded intothe lumen 671.

In regard to each of the implementations of FIGS. 21A, 21B, 22A and 22B,the rigid structure 670 may be keyed with the recess or opening 612 ofthe optical body 610 as discussed above in conjunction with theimplementations of FIGS. 20A and 20B. The combination of these featuresassists in providing a consistent alignment between the end of theoptical fiber (or end cap) and the first refractive optical surface 615.

According to some implementations the rigid structure 670 is inflexible.However, in the context of the present application the term “rigidstructure” can comprise any structure that is more rigid than theoptical fiber it houses. Thus, according to some implementations therigid structure is capable of being bent/flexed but to a lesser degreethan that of the optical fiber it houses.

According to any of the implementations disclosed herein that comprise arigid structure 670, the rigid structure may include at its proximal end673, or anywhere along its length, one or more radial protrusions 677that are configured to abut a side 676 of the optical body 610 to limitforward movement of the rigid structure into the opening or recess 612.See FIG. 23. In this manner, the distal end of the optical fiber 611, orthe distal end of an end cap 654 attached thereto, may be maintained aset distance proximal to the first refractive optical surface 615. Theradial protrusions may comprise two or more spaced apart radiallyextending tabs or may comprise a continuous protrusion (e.g. annularflange) that circumscribes the rigid structure 670.

As shown in FIG. 24, in implementations that do not comprise a rigidstructure 670, the outer surface of the optical fiber 611 may be fittedwith a ring 680, or other structure, that protrudes radially from theouter surface of the optical fiber. The ring 680, or other radiallyprotruding structure, is arranged on the optical fiber 611 to limit itsadvancement into the opening or recess 612 so that the distal end 613 ofthe optical fiber may be maintained a set distance proximal to the firstrefractive optical surface 615.

According to some implementations the disinfecting target area isdesignated to be located a distance below the bottom surface of thelight disinfecting device 600 like, for example, that shown in FIG. 12.To facilitate such an arrangement, according to some implementations thebase 601 of the light disinfecting device 600 is equipped with a footingin the form of protruding spaced apart feet 681 as shown in FIG. 25A orin the form of a continuous bottom protruding ring 682 as shown in FIG.25B. In each case, the footing is disposed about the outer periphery ofthe bottom surface 606 of the base 601 so that it does not substantiallyinterfere with the transmission of disinfecting light between the bottom608 of the optical body 610 and the disinfecting target area. Accordingto some implementations the footing has a height of between about 1 toabout 25 millimeters.

FIG. 26 illustrates an optical body 700 according to anotherimplementation that includes a plurality of refractive optical surfacesand a plurality of total internal reflection (TIR) optical surfaces.FIG. 26 shows the trajectory of light through the optical body 700.

In the implementation of FIG. 26 the optical body 700 includes a firstrefractive optical surface 701, a first TIR optical surface 702, asecond TIR optical surface 703 and a second refractive optical surface704. According to some implementations the outer surfaces of the opticalbody 700 are bounded by air. The optical body 700 also includes anopening 706 for receiving the distal end section of an optical fiber(not shown). The description above related to the optical fiber 611 andthe manner in which its distal end section is supported inside theopening/recess 612 of the optical body 610 is equally applicable to alloptical bodies disclosed and contemplated herein. As previouslydiscussed, light leaving the distal end of the optical fiber may firstpass through an index matching gel or adhesive position that is locatedbetween the distal end of the optical fiber and the first refractiveoptical surface 701. In the optical body 700 of FIG. 26, when light isdelivered to an optical fiber who's distal end is positioned in theopening 706, a light beam 920 a exiting the first refractive opticalsurface 701 travels in a forward direction and impinges on the first TIRoptical surface 702 at location A. The reflected light beam 720 b fromlocation A is directed downward and forward so that it impinges on thesecond TIR optical surface 703 at location B. The reflected light beam720 c from location B is directed downward and rearward so that itimpinges on and is refracted through the second refractive opticalsurface 704. In the implementation of FIG. 26, the second refractiveoptical surface 704 forms the bottom of the optical body 700.

The use of multiple TIR optical surfaces in an optical body allows thelight beam passing through the optical body to be manipulated in waysnot possible when a single TIR optical surface is used. For example, asseen in FIG. 26, and more clearly in FIG. 27, the light beam may bemanipulated to impinge on a target treatment site that is locatedrearward of the distal end 713 of the optical fiber 710. An optical bodyof a more compact size is also achievable without sacrificing the sizeof the resultant light beam exiting the light disinfecting device.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of the optical body 700 of FIG. 26. Lightbeam 920 a is represented by light rays a1, a2 and a3. Light beam 920 bis represented by light rays b1, b2 and b3. Light beam 920 c isrepresented by light rays c1, c2 and c3. Light rays a1, a3, b1, b3, c1and c3 represent the peripheral boundary of the respective light beamswhile light rays a2, b2 and c2 represent light rays centrically locatedin the respective light beams. According to one implementation theoptical fiber 710 is positioned and held inside the optical body opening706 by an index matching adhesive 711. In the implementation shown, whena light beam is emitted from the distal end 713 of the optical fiber,the light beam first passes through the index matching adhesive 711before it is refracted through the first refractive optical surface 701.Light is thereafter dispersed inside the optical body 700 in a mannerconsistent to what is illustrated in FIG. 27.

As explained above, total internal reflection is the phenomenon whichoccurs when a propagated wave strikes a medium boundary at an anglelarger than a particular critical angle normal to the incident surface.If the refractive index is lower on the opposing side of the boundaryand the incident angle is greater than the critical angle, the wavecannot pass through and is entirely internally reflected. The criticalangle is the angle of incidence above which the total internalreflection occurs. In the implementation of FIGS. 26 and 27 the distalend 713 of the optical fiber 710, the first refractive optical surface701, the first TIR optical surface 702 and the second TIR opticalsurface 703 are arranged with respect to one another in a manner thatcauses light rays a1-a3 and b1-b3 to impinge respectively on surfaces702 and 703 at an incident angle that is greater than the critical angleso that light beam 720 a is totally reflected at surface 702 and lightbeam 720 b is totally reflected at surface 703.

In the implementation of FIGS. 26 and 27 the second refractive opticalsurface 704 is a curved concave surface that produces a refracted lightbeam represented by light rays d1-d3. As shown, optical surface 704 isshaped to cause an outward divergence of the light rays which results ina greater spread as discussed in more detail above. In a manner likethat described above in conjunction with the description of opticalbodies 610 and 620, one or more of the location, angular orientation,shape and curvature of the optical surfaces 701-704 may be manipulatedto produce a desired disinfecting result in terms of irradiance andsize.

According to some implementations a light disinfecting device mayinclude a first optical body having a single TIR optical surface and asecond optical body having a plurality of TIR optical surfaces (e.g. 2TIR optical surfaces). For example, in the light disinfecting device 650of FIG. 14 the rearward located optical bodies 651 a and 651 d may eachcomprise a single TIR optical surface and the forward located opticalbodies 651 b and 651 c may each comprise multiple TIR optical surfaces,such as, for example, two TIR optical surfaces. In this manner lightbeams 654 b and 654 c exiting the optical bodies 651 b and 651 c,respectively, may be directed rearward of the distal end 745 b and 745 cof the optical fibers 653 b and 653 c.

As shown in FIG. 28, which represents a modification to theimplementation of FIG. 11A, the bottom surface 606 of the lightdisinfecting device 600 may be fitted with a light diffuser 730 in orderto more evenly distribute the disinfecting light at the targetdisinfecting site 731. The use of a light diffuser may be applied toeach of the light disinfecting devices disclosed or otherwisecontemplated herein.

FIG. 29A illustrates a kit comprising a light disinfecting device 600according to any of the previously disclosed implementations and anabsorbent pad 740. The absorbent pad 740 is made of one or morematerials that are transparent, or at least partially translucent, tothe disinfecting light emitted from the bottom surface 606 of the lightdisinfecting device 600. According to some implementations the absorbentpad 740 includes a central through opening 741 through which a mainshaft of a CVC or other medical device may pass before being insertedinto a patient. The absorbent pad 740 is configured to absorb bodilyfloods that may seep from the insertion site. The absorbent pad maycomprise a slit 742 that extends from the central opening 741 to theouter periphery of the pad to facilitate an easy placement and removalof the pad from the treatment site. That is, a medical device insertedinto a patient may be easily placed into or removed from the centralthrough opening 741 of the absorbent pad 740 via a passage of themedical device through the slit 742. FIG. 29B shows the bottom surface606 of the disinfecting device positioned on the top surface 743 of theabsorbent pad 740 with the central through opening 741 residing belowand being contiguous with the opening 603 of the light disinfectingdevice 600.

According to some implementations the bottom of the light disinfectingdevice comprises a cavity into which a top portion of the absorbent pad740 resides in order to maintain the absorbent pad properly aligned withthe bottom surface of the light disinfecting device. According to otherimplementations clips are other attachment features are provided toremovably attach the absorbent pad 740 to the light disinfecting device600.

As explained above, according to some implementations optical fibers aredelivered to the light disinfecting device via an optical fiberumbilical cord 605. According to some implementations the proximal endof the umbilical cord 605 is equipped with an optical connector having aport associated with each of the optical fibers running through theumbilical cord. According to some implementations the proximal opticalconnector is configured to be directly connected to an LED or laserlight source. According to another implementation that includes a CVC asshown in FIG. 3, light is delivered to the optical fiber umbilical cord605 of the light disinfecting device 600 via the CVC optical fiberumbilical cord 500 and through the CVC hub 400 as shown in FIG. 30. Inthis manner, only a single optical connection to a light source isrequired, reducing the amount of hardware passing across the patient.

The length of the main shaft 200 of the CVC 100 that is inserted into apatient will vary depending on the particular medical procedure beingperformed and the actual site of insertion of the main shaft 200 intothe patient. For this reason, according to some implementations theratio of the length of the main shaft 200 extending distal to the hub400 with that of the combined length of the light disinfecting device600 and its associated fiber optic umbilical 605 (that portion of thefiber optic umbilical that extends distal to the hub 400) is betweenabout 1.4 to about 2.8. According to some implementations the ratio ofthe length of the main shaft 200 extending distal to the hub 400 withthat of the length of the fiber optic umbilical 605 (that portion of thefiber optic umbilical that extends between the distal end 400 a of thehub 400 and the proximal end 600 a of the light disinfecting device 600)is between about 1.4 to about 4.0. According to some implementations thelongitudinal length of that portion of the main shaft 200 that extendsdistally to the hub is between about 20.0 to about 25.0 inches.According to some implementations the combined length of the lightdisinfecting device 600 and its associated fiber optic umbilical 605(that portion of the fiber optic umbilical 605 that extends between thedistal end 400 a of the hub 400 and the proximal end 600 a of the lightdisinfecting device 600) is between about 7.6 cm to about 15.2 cm.According to some implementations the length of the fiber opticumbilical 605 (that portion of the fiber optic umbilical that extendsbetween the distal end 400 a of the hub 400 and the proximal end 600 aof the light disinfecting device 600) is between about 5.1 cm to about15.2 cm. As a result of these lengths, the light disinfecting device 600is capable of being placed at insertion sites of the main shaft 200despite the actual length of the main shaft that is inserted into thepatient. According to some implementations, the light disinfectingdevice 600 includes an open end 600 b that permits the device to be slidacross the insertion site of the main shaft 200 so that the device ismore or less centrally located over the insertion site.

Vacuum-assisted drainage to remove blood or serous fluid from a wound oroperation site is known. Vacuum-assisted drainage is a technique where apiece of foam with an open-cell structure is inserted into the wound,and a wound drain with lateral perforations is laid atop it. The entirearea is then covered with a transparent adhesive membrane, which isfirmly secured to the healthy skin around the wound margin. When theexposed end of the drain tube is connected to a vacuum source, fluid isdrawn from the wound through the foam into a reservoir for subsequentdisposal. The plastic membrane prevents the ingress of air and allows apartial vacuum to form within the wound, reducing its volume andfacilitating the removal of fluid. The foam has a few importantfunctions: it ensures that the entire surface area of the wound isuniformly exposed to this negative pressure effect, it preventsocclusion of the perforations in the drain by contact with the base oredges of the wound, and it eliminates the theoretical possibility oflocalized areas of high pressure and resultant tissue necrosis. Theapplication of negative pressure removes edema fluid from the woundthrough suction. This results in increased blood flow to the wound (bycausing the blood vessels to dilate) and greater cell proliferation.Another important benefit of fluid removal is the reduction in bacterialcolonization of the wound, which decreases the risk of wound infections.Through these effects, vacuum-assisted closure enhances the formation ofgranulation tissue, an important factor in wound healing and closure.

FIG. 31 illustrates a conventional wound vacuum system 770 that includesa piece of foam 771 with an open-cell structure that is capable of beinginserted into a wound. The distal end of a drainage tube 772 is affixedto the piece of foam 771 and, when in use, the proximal end of thedrainage tube is coupled to a vacuum pump (not shown).

FIGS. 32A, 32B and 33 show a light disinfecting system 800 configuredfor use in disinfecting the wound site of a patient and/or a foam piece770 inserted into a wound site of a patient and/or that portion of thedrain tube 772 that is affixed to the foam piece. The light disinfectingsystem 800 includes a light disinfecting device 810 that may be similarin construction to the various light disinfecting devices hereintodisclosed. The light disinfecting system 800 further includes a lightdisinfecting pad 850 integrated with the light disinfecting device 810to spatially increase the amount of area that can be disinfected. Aswill be discussed in more detail below, according to someimplementations the light disinfecting device 810 produces disinfectinglight at the wound site and/or within the foam piece 701 from light endemitted from one or more end emitting optical fibers, whereas thedisinfecting pad 850 produces disinfecting light from one or moreradially emitting optical fibers extending across portions of thedisinfecting pad.

FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view of the light disinfecting system800 of FIGS. 32 and 33 according to one implementation. In theimplementation of FIG. 34, and of the figures that follow, the lightdisinfecting device 810 is shown to possess four optical bodies that areconfigured to cumulatively direct overlapping light beams to a woundsite of a patient and/or into foam piece 701 of the wound vacuum system770. It is appreciated that the light disinfecting device 810 maycomprise a single optical body, two optical bodies, three optical bodiesor greater than four optical bodies. According to some implementationsthe light disinfecting device 810 is provided with a cover 820 that isadapted to protect the optical bodies and associated optical fibers fromexternal influences, such as dust, moister, touching, etc.

With continued reference to FIGS. 34 and 35A-C, the light disinfectingdevice 810 possesses first, second, third and fourth optical bodies 811,812, 813 and 814, respectively. According to some implementations, eachof the optical bodies 811-814 comprise a plurality of optical surfacesthat are similarly configured and arranged to produce substantially thesame type of light at the target disinfecting site in terms ofirradiance and/or size. According to other implementations, one or moreof the optical bodies 811-814 comprise optical surfaces that are notsimilarly configured and/or similarly arranged so as to producedifferent types of light at the target disinfecting site in terms ofirradiance and/or size.

As best seen in FIGS. 35B and 35C, each of the optical bodies 811-814respectively includes in a proximal end thereof an opening 811 a-814 athat is respectively configured to receive an optical fiber 811 a-811 d.According to some implementations the openings 811 a-814 a compriserecesses that each comprise a closed bottom end and an open top endlocated at a top surface of the respective optical body. The use of suchrecesses allows the optical fibers to be side loaded into the openings811 a-814 a rather than being axially inserted into the openings 811a-814 a. The manner in which each of the optical fibers 811 a-811 d isarranged inside the openings/recesses 811 a-814 a may be similar to orthe same as any one of the arrangements described above in conjunctionwith optical fiber 611 and opening/recess 612 of optical body 610.

Like the implementations disclosed above in regard to the optical bodies610 and 620, one or more of the optical fibers 811 a-811 d may comprisean end emitting optical fiber or a dual emitting optical fiber.

Like in the implementation of FIG. 14 discussed above, therearward/proximally located optical bodies 811 and 812 may possess asingle TIR optical surface, whereas the forward/distally located opticals bodies 813 and 814 may possess multiple TIR optical surfaces (e.g. twoTIR optical surfaces).

As shown in FIG. 32B, the light disinfecting device 810 comprises aninternal cavity 817 that extends to an opening 816 in the base 815 ofthe light disinfecting device. The cavity 817 and opening 816 are sizedto accommodate a placement of the distal end portion of the drainagetube 772 inside the light disinfecting 810 and to facilitate a passageof the drainage tube 772 through the rearward/proximal end portion ofthe light disinfecting device. The distal end portion of the drainagetube 772 includes the part of the drainage tube that is affixed to thefoam piece 771. According to some implementations each of the opticalbodies of the light disinfecting device 810 is configured to deliver atleast a portion of the light delivered through it to a target site thatincludes the location where the drainage tube 772 is affixed to the foampiece 771.

According to some implementations when the light disinfecting device 810includes two or more optical bodies, the optical bodies are configuredto deliver light in an overlapping manner to the target site. Forexample, according to some implementation the light disinfecting device810 includes first and second optical bodies that are respectivelyconfigured to deliver first and second light beams to the target site ina manner that results in an overlapping of at least a portion of thefirst and second light beams at the target site. As a further example,with reference to the light disinfecting device 810 of FIGS. 35A and 35Bwhich include first, second, third and fourth optical bodies 811-814,according to some implementations the first, second, third and fourthoptical bodies 811-814 are respectively configured to deliver first,second, third and fourth light beams to the target site in a manner thatresults in an overlapping of at least a portion of two, three or all ofthe first, second, third and fourth light beams at the target site.

With continued reference to the light disinfecting device 810 of FIGS.35A and 35B, according to some implementations the rearward/proximallypositioned optical bodies 811 and 812 are spaced laterally apart fromone another such that when the light disinfecting device 810 ispositioned over the target site, the target site is located in thespaced between them.

As mentioned above, in order to deliver disinfecting light over a largerarea of the foam piece 771, the light disinfecting system 800 furtherincludes a light disinfecting pad 850 integrated with the lightdisinfecting device 810. According to some implementations the lightdisinfecting pad 850 comprises an upper element 850 a and a lowerelement 850 b having one or more radially emitting fibers interposedtherebetween. According to some implementations the bottom element 850 bincludes one or more channels formed in its upper surface 851 where theone or more radially emitting optical fibers are housed. According tosome implementations, upon the bottom surface 854 of the upper element850 being positioned atop and affixed to the upper surface 851 of thelower element 850 b, the one or more radially emitting fibers are fullyencapsulated and protected inside the one or more channels.

According to some implementations the light disinfecting pad 850includes a central through opening 845 through which the distal endsection of the drainage tube 772 extends when the light disinfectingsystem 800 is positioned on the top surface 773 of the foam piece 771. Aslotted through opening 846 that extends from the rearward/proximal end847 of the pad 850 into the central through opening 845 is also providedto accommodate a passage of the drainage tube 772 into or out of theopening 845 during a placement and removal of the pad 850 from the topsurface of the foam piece 771.

According to some implementations the bottom surface of the lightdisinfecting device 810 is attached to the top surface 853 of the upperelement 850 a.

In the example implementation of FIGS. 34-40 the light disinfecting pad850 includes a total of eight radially emitting fibers 860-867 thatrespectively lie in channels 840 a, 840 b, 841 a, 841 b, 842 a, 842 b,843 a and 843 b of the lower element 850 b. FIG. 38 illustrates a layoutof the radially emitting fibers 860-867 inside the lower element 850 bof the light disinfecting pad 850 with the lower element 850 b removed.

As best seen in FIGS. 35C and 38, according to some implementations eachof the eight radially emitting fibers 860-867 is optically coupled to alight source (not shown) via a respective eight transport fibers thateach extends form a proximal optical connector 881 through a distal endof the optical fiber umbilical 880. The transport fibers represented byreference numerals 891 a-d and 898 a-d exit the distal end of theumbilical cord 880 and pass through a housing of the light disinfectingdevice 810 (formed in part by the cover 820). The transport fibers 891 aand 891 b pass through slotted opening 899 a in the base 815 of thelight disinfecting device 810 and through the slotted opening 897 a ofthe upper element 850 a of pad 850 and are respectively opticallycoupled to radially emitting fibers 866 and 867 via optical couplers892. The transport fibers 891 c and 891 d pass through slotted opening899 b in the base 815 of the light disinfecting device 810 and throughthe slotted opening 897 b of the upper element 850 a of pad 850 and arerespectively optically coupled to radially emitting fibers 864 and 865via optical couplers 892. The transport fibers 898 a and 899 b passthrough slotted opening 899 c in the base 815 of the light disinfectingdevice 810 and through the slotted opening 897 c of the upper element850 a of pad 850 and are respectively optically coupled to radiallyemitting fibers 860 and 861 via optical couplers 892. The transportfibers 891 c and 891 d pass through slotted opening 899 d in the base815 of the light disinfecting device 810 and through the slotted opening897 d of the upper element 850 a of pad 850 and are respectivelyoptically coupled to radially emitting fibers 862 and 863 via opticalcouplers 892.

According to some implementations each of the optical couplers 892 ishoused in one of channels 840 d, 841 d, 842 d and 843 d. As best shownin FIG. 36A, the optical coupler channels 840 d, 841 d, 842 d and 843 dhave a greater width and/or depth dimension of that of the radiallyemitting fiber channels 840 a-b, 841 a-b, 842 a-b and 843 a-b.

According to some implementations the distal end of each of thetransport fibers is butt coupled to the proximal end of the radiallyemitting fibers inside the optical couplers 892. According to someimplementations the optical couplers 892 comprise a capillary tubing offused silica having a protective polyimide coating. According to someimplementations the distal end of the transport fibers are coupled tothe proximal end of the radial emitting fibers by an adhesive having anindex of refraction between that of the core of the transport fibers andthat of the core of the radially emitting fibers.

As shown best shown in FIGS. 35C and 38, according to someimplementations the optical fibers 881 a-d in which light isrespectively transported into optical bodies 811-814 also extend throughthe umbilical 880 from the proximal optical connector 881. As explainedabove, according to some implementations the optical fibers 811 a-d areend emitting optical fibers like, or similar in construction to atransport fiber. In the exemplary implementation of FIGS. 34-40, whereindisinfecting light is provided through the light disinfecting system 800via twelve optical fibers, the umbilical cord proximal connector 881 hastwelve ports that each receive and direct light from one or more lightsources into a proximal end of a respective transport fiber and/or endemitting fiber 891 a-d, 898 a-d and 881 a-d.

According to some implementations the upper and lower elements 850 a and850 b of the light disinfecting pad 850 are each made of a material thatenables the light disinfecting pad to flex so as to conform, or at leastpartially conform, to the surface on which it is applied.

As explained above, optical fibers typically comprise cylindrical glassor plastic cores through which light is transported. The core runs alongthe fiber's length and is surrounded by a medium with a lower index ofrefraction, typically a cladding of a different glass, or plastic. Thecore and cladding of an optical fiber are susceptible to breaking ifexcessively stressed. To address this issue, according to someimplementations the channels in the light disinfecting pad 850 thathouse the radially emitting fibers are sized to have a width and/ordepth that are larger than the outer diameter of the radially emittingoptical fibers so that they are capable of sliding inside the channelswhen the light disinfecting pad is bent. This reduces or eliminates theoccurrence of tensile stresses in the radial emitting optical fiberswhen the light disinfecting pad 850 is bent. To this end, according tosome implementations the channels inside the light disinfecting pad 850have a width and/or depth that is between about 5% to about 30% greaterthan the outer diameter of the radially emitting fibers.

According to some implementations, each of the optical couplers 892 ishoused in one of channels 840 d, 841 d, 842 d and 843 d. As best shownin FIG. 36A, the optical coupler channels 840 d, 841 d, 842 d and 843 dhave a greater width and/or depth dimension of that of the radiallyemitting fiber channels 840 a-b, 841 a-b, 842 a-b and 843 a-b.

As shown in FIGS. 36A, 38, 39B and 40, according to some implementationseach of the proximal ends of radially emitting fibers 860, 861, 866 and867 is disposed in one of tracks 840 c or 843 c. The tracks arerespectively formed by an at least partially curved structure 888 a and888 c that is each respectively defined by a perimeter wall 895 a and895 c. According to some implementations, the optical couplers 892associated with each of radially emitting fibers 860 and 861 are housedin the track formed by structure 888 a and the optical couplers 892associated with each of radially emitting fibers 866 and 867 are housedin the track formed by structure 888 c. According to someimplementations the portion of the track in which the optical couplers892 reside is straight.

As shown in FIG. 40, each of radially emitting optical fiber 866 and 867is routed in the track 843 c so as not to be held taut inside the trackwhen the light disinfecting pad 850 is positioned flat on a surface. Inthe implementation of FIG. 40 this provision of slack results in atleast a portion of each of the radially emitting fibers 866 and 867 tobe spaced away from the outer wall 895 c of structure 888 c when thelight disinfecting pad 850 is laid flat on a surface. This provision ofslack in the radially emitting optical fibers 866 and 867 inside thetrack 843 c guards against excessive tensile forces being applied to theradially emitting optical fibers when the light disinfecting pad 850 isbent or pulled in tension as a result of the slack being taken up insidethe track when the light disinfecting pad is bent. This is particularlyimportant in implementations where at least a portion of the length ofthe radially emitting optical fiber is fixed inside a channel in whichit is housed.

According to some implementations radially emitting fiber 886 follows acounter-clockwise path through the track 843 c and radially emittingfiber 867 follows a clockwise path through the track 843 c. According tosome implementations one or both of the radially emitting fibers 866 and867 change course inside the track by 180 degrees and overlap oneanother in at least a portion of the track 843 c in the region labeled894.

As seen in the accompanying figures, the layout of the radially emittingfibers 860 and 861 on the opposite side of the light disinfecting device810 take a similar path through track 843 a.

In the foregoing description the light disinfecting pad 850 is disclosedas being integrated with a light disinfecting device 810 of a lightdisinfecting system 800. It is appreciated, however, that the lightdisinfecting pad may comprise a standalone device apart from the lightdisinfecting systems disclosed above. According to such a standalonelight disinfecting pad, light may be deliver to the radially emittingfibers disposed therein through the transport fibers via a dedicatedoptical fiber umbilical.

While specific implementations and applications have been illustratedand described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limitedto the precise configuration and components disclosed herein. Variousmodifications, changes, and variations which will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation, anddetails of the methods and systems of the present invention disclosedherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

For example, the disclosure describes in detail various implementationsof light disinfecting systems and of their individual components. It isappreciated, however, that the disclosed inventive features areapplicable to a host of other types of devices inside and outside themedical field. As mentioned above, the apparatus and methods disclosedherein can also be applied to equipment or components of waterprocessing plants, food processing plants, dairies, livestock habitationfacilities, etc.

The following clauses disclose in an unlimited way additionalimplementations, with each clause representing an implementation.Additional implementations are represented by one or more of theimplementations of one group or groups of clauses with one or moreimplementations of another group or groups of clauses. Group A through Cclauses are provided.

Group A Clauses:

Clause 1. An assembly for bacterially disinfecting a designated targetsite, the assembly comprising:

-   -   a first end emitting optical fiber having a terminal end        configured to only end emit a first beam of bacterial        disinfecting light from the terminal end;    -   a first body including a plurality of optical surfaces that are        configured to direct at least a portion of the first beam of        bacterial disinfecting light to the target site, the plurality        of optical surfaces including a first refractive optical        surface, a second refractive optical surface and a first total        reflective surface, the first total reflective optical surface        being disposed between the first and second refractive optical        surfaces in a designated optical pathway of the first beam of        bacterial disinfecting light.

Clause 2. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the first totalreflective surface comprises a boundary between a first material havinga first refractive index and a second material having a secondrefractive index less than the first refractive index, the secondmaterial being air.

Clause 3. The assembly according to clause 2, wherein the first materialcomprises a polymer.

Clause 4. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the first totalreflective surface comprises a light reflective metal.

Clause 5. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the terminal endof the first end emitting optical fiber is located in a lumen or recessof the first body.

Clause 6. The assembly according to clause 5, wherein the first endemitting optical fiber comprises a core having an end, the assemblyfurther comprising an index matching material disposed between the endof the core and the first refractive optical surface.

Clause 7. The assembly according to clause 6, wherein the index matchingmaterial is an adhesive that secures the first end emitting opticalfiber to the first body.

Clause 8. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the secondrefractive optical surface constitutes at least a portion of a bottom ofthe first body.

Clause 9. The assembly according to clause 8, wherein the secondrefractive optical surface is a concave surface.

Clause 10. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the plurality ofoptical surfaces further comprises a second total reflective surface,the second total reflective surface being located between the firsttotal reflective surface and the second refractive optical surface.

Clause 11. The assembly according to clause 10, wherein at least one ofthe first and second total reflective surfaces is a total internalreflection optical surface.

Clause 12. The assembly according to clause 10, wherein each of thefirst and second total reflective surfaces is a total internalreflection optical surface.

Clause 13. The assembly according to clause 11, wherein the terminal endof the first end emitting optical fiber is located at a first locationin the first body and is configured to end emit the first beam ofdisinfecting light in a direction distal to the first location, theplurality of optical surfaces of the first body being arranged in or onthe first body such that when the first beam of disinfecting light isemitted from the terminal end of the first end emitting optical fiber atleast a portion of the first beam of bacterial disinfecting light iscaused to exit the first body at a second location that is proximal tothe first location.

Clause 14. The assembly according to clause 12, wherein the terminal endof the first end emitting fiber is located at a first location in thefirst body and is configured to end emit the first beam of disinfectinglight in a direction distal to the first location, the plurality ofoptical surfaces of the first body being arranged in the first body suchthat when the first beam of disinfecting light is emitted from theterminal end of the first end emitting fiber at least a portion of thefirst beam of bacterial disinfecting light is caused to exit the firstbody at a second location that is proximal to the first location.

Clause 15. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the first endemitting optical fiber comprises at an end thereof a power densitylowering end cap.

Clause 16. The assembly according to clause 1, further comprising afirst through opening located adjacent a side of the first body, thefirst through opening extending from a top surface of the assembly to abottom surface of the assembly and being configured to accommodate thepassage of a medical device.

Clause 17. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the assemblyfurther comprises a substrate, the substrate including one or morechannels in which reside one or more radially emitting optical fibersthat are configured to radially emit bacterial disinfecting light, thesubstrate being at least partially transparent to the bacterialdisinfecting light, the first body being positioned above and physicallycoupled to the substrate.

Clause 18. The assembly according to clause 17, wherein the substrate isflexible and the one or more radially emitting optical fibers containslack inside the one or more channels.

Clause 19. The assembly according to clause 18, wherein the substrate isflat.

Clause 20. The assembly according to clause 16, wherein the assemblyfurther comprises a liquid absorbent pad that is at least partiallytransparent to the first beam of bacterial disinfecting light, theliquid absorbent pad being located beneath at least a portion of thefirst body and having a second through opening in communication with thefirst through opening.

Clause 21. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the first endemitting optical fiber, first refractive surface and first reflectivesurface are configured such that when the first beam of bacterialdisinfecting light is emitted from the terminal end of the first endemitting optical fiber a substantial portion of the first beam ofbacterial disinfecting light is transported inside the first body fromthe first refractive optical surface to the first reflective surface.

Clause 22. The assembly according to clause 21, wherein the substantialportion is greater than or equal to 80%.

Clause 23. The assembly according to clause 21, wherein the firstreflective surface and second refractive optical surface are arrangedwith respect to one another and configured such that a substantialportion of the first beam of bacterial disinfecting light received atthe first reflective surface is reflected onto the second refractiveoptical surface through the first body.

Clause 24. The assembly according to clause 23, wherein the substantialportion is greater than or equal to 80%.

Clause 25. The assembly according to clause 23, wherein the firstreflective surface is a total internal reflection optical surface.

Clause 26. The assembly according to clause 1 further comprising:

-   -   a second end emitting optical fiber having a terminal end        configured to only end emit a second beam of bacterial        disinfecting light from the terminal end;    -   a second body including a plurality of optical surfaces that are        configured to direct at least a portion of the second beam of        bacterial disinfecting light to the target site, the plurality        of optical surfaces including a first refractive optical        surface, a second refractive optical surface and a first total        reflective surface, the first total reflective optical surface        being disposed between the first and second refractive optical        surfaces in a designated optical pathway of the second beam of        bacterial disinfecting light.

Clause 27. The assembly according to clause 26, wherein the first bodyand second body comprise a unitary structure.

Clause 28. The assembly according to clause 27, wherein the unitarystructure comprises a molded polymer.

Clause 29. The assembly according to clause 26, wherein the firstreflective surface of each of the first and second body is a totalinternal reflection optical surface.

Clause 30. The assembly according to clause 26, wherein the firstreflective surface of each of the first and second body comprises alight reflective metal.

Group B Clauses:

Clause 1. An assembly for bacterially disinfecting a designated targetsite, the assembly comprising:

-   -   a first end emitting optical fiber having a terminal end, the        first end emitting optical fiber configured to end emit a first        beam of bacterial disinfecting light from the terminal end;    -   a first body including a plurality of optical surfaces that are        configured to direct at least a portion of the first beam of        bacterial disinfecting light to the target site, the plurality        of optical surfaces including a first refractive optical        surface, a second refractive optical surface and a first total        internal reflection optical surface, the first total internal        reflection optical surface being disposed between the first and        second refractive optical surfaces in a designated optical        pathway of the first beam of bacterial disinfecting light.

Clause 2. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the first totalreflection optical surface comprises a boundary between a first materialhaving a first refractive index and a second material having a secondrefractive index less than the first refractive index, the secondmaterial being air.

Clause 3. The assembly according to clause 2, wherein the first materialcomprises a polymer.

Clause 4. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the terminal endof the first end emitting optical fiber is located in a lumen or recessof the first body.

Clause 5. The assembly according to clause 4, wherein the first endemitting optical fiber comprises a core having an end, the assemblyfurther comprising an index matching material disposed between the endof the core and the first refractive optical surface.

Clause 6. The assembly according to clause 5, wherein the index matchingmaterial is an adhesive that secures the first end emitting opticalfiber to the first body.

Clause 7. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the secondrefractive optical surface constitutes at least a portion of a bottom ofthe first body.

Clause 8. The assembly according to clause 7, wherein the secondrefractive optical surface is a concave surface.

Clause 9. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the plurality ofoptical surfaces further comprises a second total reflection opticalsurface, the second total reflection optical surface being locatedbetween the first total reflection optical surface and the secondrefractive optical surface.

Clause 10. The assembly according to clause 9, wherein the terminal endof the first end emitting optical fiber is located at a first locationin the first body and is configured to end emit the first beam ofdisinfecting light in a direction distal to the first location, theplurality of optical surfaces of the first body being arranged in or onthe first body such that when the first beam of disinfecting light isemitted from the terminal end of the first end emitting optical fiber atleast a portion of the first beam of bacterial disinfecting light iscaused to exit the first body at a second location that is proximal tothe first location.

Clause 11. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the first endemitting optical fiber comprises at an end thereof a power densitylowering end cap.

Clause 12. The assembly according to clause 1, further comprising afirst through opening located adjacent a side of the first body, thefirst through opening extending from a top surface of the assembly to abottom surface of the assembly and being configured to accommodate thepassage of a medical device.

Clause 13. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the assemblyfurther comprises a substrate, the substrate including one or morechannels in which reside one or more radially emitting optical fibersthat are configured to radially emit bacterial disinfecting light, thesubstrate being at least partially transparent to the bacterialdisinfecting light, the first body being positioned above and physicallycoupled to the substrate.

Clause 14. The assembly according to clause 13, wherein the substrate isflexible and the one or more radially emitting optical fibers containslack inside the one or more channels.

Clause 15. The assembly according to clause 14, wherein the substrate isflat.

Clause 16. The assembly according to clause 12, wherein the assemblyfurther comprises a liquid absorbent pad that is at least partiallytransparent to the first beam of bacterial disinfecting light, theliquid absorbent pad being located beneath at least a portion of thefirst body and having a second through opening in communication with thefirst through opening.

Clause 17. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the first endemitting optical fiber, first refractive surface and first totalreflection optical surface are configured such that when the first beamof bacterial disinfecting light is emitted from the terminal end of thefirst end emitting optical fiber a substantial portion of the first beamof bacterial disinfecting light is transported inside the first bodyfrom the first refractive optical surface to the first total reflectionoptical surface.

Clause 18. The assembly according to clause 17, wherein the substantialportion is greater than or equal to 80%.

Clause 19. The assembly according to clause 17, wherein the first totalreflection optical surface and second refractive optical surface arearranged with respect to one another and configured such that asubstantial portion of the first beam of bacterial disinfecting lightreceived at the first total reflection optical surface is reflected ontothe second refractive optical surface through the first body.

Clause 20. The assembly according to clause 19, wherein the substantialportion is greater than or equal to 80%.

Clause 21. The assembly according to clause 1, further comprising:

-   -   a second end emitting optical fiber having a terminal end, the        second end emitting optical fiber configured to end emit a        second beam of bacterial disinfecting light from the terminal        end;    -   a second body including a plurality of optical surfaces that are        configured to direct at least a portion of the second beam of        bacterial disinfecting light to the target site, the plurality        of optical surfaces including a first refractive optical        surface, a second refractive optical surface and a first total        internal reflection optical surface, the first total internal        reflection optical surface being disposed between the first and        second refractive optical surfaces in a designated optical        pathway of the second beam of bacterial disinfecting light.

Clause 22. The assembly according to clause 21, wherein the first bodyand second body comprise a unitary structure.

Clause 23. The assembly according to clause 22, wherein the unitarystructure comprises a molded polymer.

Clause 24. The assembly according to clause 21, wherein the terminal endof the second end emitting optical fiber is located in a lumen or recessof the second body.

Clause 25. The assembly according to clause 24, wherein an indexmatching material is disposed between the terminal end of the second endemitting optical fiber and the first refractive optical surface of thesecond body.

Clause 26. The assembly according to clause 21, wherein the plurality ofoptical surfaces further comprises a second total reflection opticalsurface, the second total reflection optical surface being locatedbetween the first total reflection optical surface and the secondrefractive optical surface.

Clause 27. The assembly according to clause 26, wherein the terminal endof the second end emitting optical fiber is located at a first locationin the first body and is configured to end emit the second beam ofdisinfecting light in a direction distal to the first location, theplurality of optical surfaces of the second body being arranged on or inthe second body such that when the second beam of disinfecting light isemitted from the terminal end of the second end emitting optical fiberat least a portion of the second beam of bacterial disinfecting light iscaused to exit the second body at a second location that is proximal tothe first location.

Clause 28. The assembly according to clause 21, wherein the second endemitting optical fiber comprises at an end thereof a power densitylowering end cap.

Group C Clauses:

Clause 1. An assembly for bacterially disinfecting a designated targetsite, the assembly comprising:

-   -   a first end emitting fiber having a terminal end configured to        end emit a first beam of bacterial disinfecting light;    -   a second end emitting fiber having a terminal end configured to        end emit a second beam of bacterial disinfecting light;    -   a first body including a plurality of optical surfaces that are        configured to direct at least a portion of the first beam of        bacterial disinfecting light to the target site, the plurality        of optical surfaces including a first refractive optical        surface, a second refractive optical surface and a first        reflective surface, the first reflective surface being disposed        between the first and second refractive optical surfaces in a        designated optical pathway of the first beam of bacterial        disinfecting light; and    -   a second body including a plurality of optical surfaces that are        configured to direct at least a portion of the second beam of        bacterial disinfecting light to the target site, the plurality        of optical surfaces including a first refractive optical        surface, a second refractive optical surface and a first        reflective surface, the first reflective surface being disposed        between the first and second refractive optical surfaces in a        designated optical pathway of the second beam of bacterial        disinfecting light.

Clause 2. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the first body andsecond body comprise a unitary structure.

Clause 3. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein each of the firstand second bodies comprises a polymer.

Clause 4. The assembly according to clause 2, wherein the unitarystructure comprises a molded polymer.

Clause 5. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the firstreflective surface of each of the first and second bodies is a totalinternal reflection optical surface.

Clause 6. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the firstreflective surface of each of the first and second bodies comprises alight reflective metal.

Clause 7. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the terminal endof the first end emitting optical fiber is located in a lumen or recessof the first body and the terminal end of the second end emittingoptical fiber is located in a lumen or recess of the second body.

Clause 8. The assembly according to clause 7, wherein an index matchingmaterial is disposed between the terminal end of the first end emittingoptical fiber and the first refractive optical surface of the firstbody, and an index matching material is disposed between the terminalend of the second end emitting optical fiber and the first refractiveoptical surface of the second body.

Clause 9. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the secondrefractive optical surface of the first body constitutes at least aportion of a bottom of the first body and the second refractive opticalsurface of the second body constitutes at least a portion of a bottom ofthe second body.

Clause 10. The assembly according to clause 9, wherein the secondrefractive surface of each of the first body and second body is aconcave surface.

Clause 11. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein each of theplurality of optical surfaces of each of the first and second bodiesfurther comprises a second reflective surface, the second reflectivesurface being located between the first reflective surface and thesecond refractive optical surface.

Clause 12. The assembly according to clause 11, wherein at least one ofthe first and second reflective surfaces of each of the first and secondbodies is a total internal reflection surface.

Clause 13. The assembly according to clause 11, wherein each of thefirst and second reflective surfaces of each of the first and secondbodies is a total internal reflection optical surface.

Clause 14. The assembly according to clause 13, wherein the terminal endof the first end emitting optical fiber is located at a first locationin the first body and is configured to end emit the first beam ofdisinfecting light in a direction distal to the first location, theplurality of optical surfaces of the first body being arranged in or onthe first body such that when the first beam of bacterial disinfectinglight is emitted from the terminal end of the first end emitting opticalfiber at least a portion of the light is caused to exit the first bodyat a second location proximal to the first location, and wherein theterminal end of the second end emitting optical fiber is located at afirst location in the second body and is configured to end emit thesecond beam of bacterial disinfecting light in a direction distal to thefirst location, the plurality of optical surfaces of the second bodybeing arranged in or on the second body such that when the second beamof disinfecting light is emitted from the terminal end of the second endemitting optical fiber at least a portion of the light is caused to exitthe second body at a second location proximal to the first location.

Clause 15. The assembly according to clause 5, wherein the first totalinternal reflection optical surface of each of the first body and secondbody comprises a boundary between a first material having a firstrefractive index and a second material having a second refractive indexless than the first refractive index, the second material being air.

Clause 16. The assembly according to clause 15, wherein the firstmaterial comprises a polymer.

Clause 17. The assembly according to clause 8, wherein the indexmatching material is an adhesive that secures the first end emittingoptical fiber to the first body and the second end emitting opticalfiber to the second body.

Clause 18. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein each of the firstand second end emitting optical fibers comprises at an end thereof apower density lowering end cap.

Clause 19. The assembly according to clause 1, further comprising afirst through opening located between a side of the first body and aside of the second body, the first through opening extending from a topsurface of the assembly to a bottom surface of the assembly and beingconfigured to accommodate the passage of a medical device.

Clause 20. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the assemblyfurther comprises a substrate, the substrate including one or morechannels in which reside one or more radially emitting optical fibersthat are configured to radially emit bacterial disinfecting light, thesubstrate being at least partially transparent to the bacterialdisinfecting light, the first and second bodies being positioned aboveand physically coupled to the substrate.

Clause 21. The assembly according to clause 20, wherein the substrate isflexible and the one or more radially emitting optical fibers containslack inside the one or more channels.

Clause 22. The assembly according to clause 21, wherein the substrate isflat.

Clause 23. The assembly according to clause 19, wherein the assemblyfurther comprises a liquid absorbent pad that is at least partiallytransparent to the first and second beams of bacterial disinfectinglight, the liquid absorbent pad being located beneath at least a portionof the first and second bodies and having a second through opening incommunication with the first through opening.

Clause 24. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the first endemitting optical fiber, first refractive optical surface and firstreflective surface of the first body are configured such that when thefirst beam of bacterial disinfecting light is emitted from the terminalend of the first end emitting optical fiber a substantial portion of thefirst beam of bacterial disinfecting light is transported inside thefirst body from the first refractive optical surface to the firstreflective surface.

Clause 25. The assembly according to clause 24, wherein the substantialportion is greater than or equal to 80%.

Clause 26. The assembly according to clause 24, wherein the firstreflective surface and second refractive optical surface are arrangedwith respect to one another and configured such that a substantialportion of the first beam of bacterial disinfecting light received atthe first reflective surface is reflected onto the second refractiveoptical surface through the first body.

Clause 27. The assembly according to clause 26, wherein the substantialportion is greater than or equal to 80%.

Clause 28. The assembly according to clause 24, wherein the second endemitting optical fiber, first refractive optical surface and firstreflective surface of the second body are configured such that when thefirst beam of bacterial disinfecting light is emitted from the terminalend of the second end emitting optical fiber a substantial portion ofthe second beam of bacterial disinfecting light is transported insidethe first body from the first refractive optical surface to the firstreflective surface.

Clause 29. The assembly according to clause 28, wherein the substantialportion is greater than or equal to 80%.

Clause 30. The assembly according to clause 28, wherein the firstreflective surface and second refractive optical surface are arrangedwith respect to one another and configured such that a substantialportion of the second beam of bacterial disinfecting light received atthe first reflective surface is reflected onto the second refractiveoptical surface through the second body.

1. An assembly for bacterially disinfecting a designated target site ofa patient, the assembly comprising: a first end emitting fiber having afirst proximal end and a first terminal end located distal to the firstproximal end, the first terminal end configured to end emit a first beamof bacterial disinfecting light in a first distal direction, the firstend emitting fiber being a transport fiber; a second end emitting fiberhaving a second proximal end and a second terminal end located distal tothe second proximal end, the second terminal end configured to end emita second beam of bacterial disinfecting light in a second distaldirection, the second end emitting fiber being a transport fiber; afirst body including a first plurality of optical surfaces that areconfigured to direct at least a portion of the first beam of bacterialdisinfecting light to the target site, the first plurality of opticalsurfaces including a first refractive optical surface, a secondrefractive optical surface and a first total internal reflection opticalsurface, the first total internal reflection optical surface beingdisposed between the first and second refractive optical surfaces in adesignated optical pathway of the first beam of bacterial disinfectinglight, the first refractive optical surface and the first total internalreflection optical surface being arranged facing one another, the secondrefractive optical surface being arranged below the first total internalreflection optical surface, none of the first total internal reflectionoptical surface, first refractive optical surface and second refractiveoptical surface being a part of the first end emitting fiber, the firsttotal internal reflection optical surface configured to cause the firstbeam of bacterial disinfecting light to be directed in a first proximaldirection; and a second body that does not lie above or below the firstbody, the second body including a second plurality of optical surfacesthat are configured to direct at least a portion of the second beam ofbacterial disinfecting light to the target site such that the at least aportion of the second beam of bacterial disinfecting light overlaps withthe at least a portion of the first beam of bacterial disinfecting lightat the target site, the second plurality of optical surfaces including athird refractive optical surface, a fourth refractive optical surfaceand a second total internal reflection optical surface, the second totalinternal reflection optical surface being disposed between the third andfourth refractive optical surfaces in a designated optical pathway ofthe second beam of bacterial disinfecting light, the third refractiveoptical surface and the second total internal reflection optical surfacebeing arranged facing one another, the fourth refractive optical surfacebeing arranged below the second total internal reflection opticalsurface, none of the second total internal reflection optical surface,third refractive optical surface and fourth refractive optical surfacebeing a part of the second end emitting fiber, the second total internalreflection optical surface configured to cause the second beam ofbacterial disinfecting light to be directed in a second proximaldirection that is non-parallel to the first proximal direction.
 2. Theassembly according to claim 1, wherein the first body and second bodycomprise a unitary structure.
 3. The assembly according to claim 1,wherein each of the first and second bodies comprises a polymer.
 4. Theassembly according to claim 2, wherein the unitary structure comprises amolded polymer.
 5. (canceled)
 6. (canceled)
 7. The assembly according toclaim 1, wherein the first terminal end of the first end emittingoptical fiber is located in a lumen or recess of the first body and thesecond terminal end of the second end emitting optical fiber is locatedin a lumen or recess of the second body.
 8. The assembly according toclaim 7, wherein an index matching material is disposed between thefirst terminal end of the first end emitting optical fiber and the firstrefractive optical surface of the first body, and an index matchingmaterial is disposed between the second terminal end of the second endemitting optical fiber and the third refractive optical surface of thesecond body.
 9. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the secondrefractive optical surface of the first body constitutes at least aportion of a bottom of the first body and the fourth refractive opticalsurface of the second body constitutes at least a portion of a bottom ofthe second body.
 10. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein thesecond refractive surface of each of the first body is a concave surfaceand the fourth refractive surface of each of the second body is aconcave surface.
 11. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein each ofthe first and second plurality of optical surfaces of the respectivefirst and second bodies further respectively comprises a third totalinternal reflection optical surface and a fourth total internalreflection optical surface, the third total internal reflection opticalsurface being located between the first total internal reflectionoptical surface and the second refractive optical surface of the firstbody, the fourth total internal reflection optical surface being locatedbetween the second total internal reflection optical surface and thefourth refractive optical surface of the second body.
 12. (canceled) 13.(canceled)
 14. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein the firstterminal end of the first end emitting optical fiber is located at afirst location in the first body and is configured to end emit the firstbeam of disinfecting light in a direction distal to the first location,the plurality of optical surfaces of the first body being arranged in oron the first body such that when the first beam of bacterialdisinfecting light is emitted from the first terminal end of the firstend emitting optical fiber at least a portion of the light is caused toexit the first body at a second location proximal to the first location,and wherein the second terminal end of the second end emitting opticalfiber is located at a first location in the second body and isconfigured to end emit the second beam of bacterial disinfecting lightin a direction distal to the first location, the plurality of opticalsurfaces of the second body being arranged in or on the second body suchthat when the second beam of disinfecting light is emitted from thesecond terminal end of the second end emitting optical fiber at least aportion of the light is caused to exit the second body at a secondlocation proximal to the first location.
 15. The assembly according toclaim 1, wherein each of the first and second total internal reflectionoptical surfaces comprises a boundary between a first material having afirst refractive index and a second material having a second refractiveindex less than the first refractive index, the second material beingair.
 16. The assembly according to claim 15, wherein the first materialcomprises a polymer.
 17. The assembly according to claim 8, wherein theindex matching material is an adhesive that secures the first endemitting optical fiber to the first body and the second end emittingoptical fiber to the second body.
 18. The assembly according to claim 1,wherein each of the first and second end emitting optical fiberscomprises at an end thereof a power density lowering end cap.
 19. Theassembly according to claim 1, further comprising a first throughopening located between a side of the first body and a side of thesecond body, the first through opening extending from a top surface ofthe assembly to a bottom surface of the assembly and being configured toaccommodate the passage of a medical device.
 20. The assembly accordingto claim 1, wherein the assembly further comprises a substrate, thesubstrate including one or more channels in which reside one or moreradially emitting optical fibers that are configured to radially emitbacterial disinfecting light, the substrate being at least partiallytransparent to the bacterial disinfecting light, the first and secondbodies being positioned above and physically coupled to the substrate.21. The assembly according to claim 20, wherein the substrate isflexible and the one or more radially emitting optical fibers containslack inside the one or more channels.
 22. The assembly according toclaim 21, wherein the substrate is flat.
 23. The assembly according toclaim 19, wherein the assembly further comprises a liquid absorbent padthat is at least partially transparent to the first and second beams ofbacterial disinfecting light, the liquid absorbent pad being locatedbeneath at least a portion of the first and second bodies and having asecond through opening in communication with the first through opening.24. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first end emittingoptical fiber, first refractive optical surface and first total internalreflection optical surface of the first body are configured such thatwhen the first beam of bacterial disinfecting light is emitted from thefirst terminal end of the first end emitting optical fiber an entiretyof the first beam of bacterial disinfecting light exiting the firstrefractive optical surface is transported inside the first body to thefirst total internal reflection optical surface.
 25. (canceled) 26.(canceled)
 27. (canceled)
 28. The assembly according to claim 24,wherein the second end emitting optical fiber, third refractive opticalsurface and second total internal reflection optical surface of thesecond body are configured such that when the second beam of bacterialdisinfecting light is emitted from the second terminal end of the secondend emitting optical fiber an entirety of the second beam of bacterialdisinfecting light exiting the third refractive optical surface istransported inside the second body to the second total internalreflection optical surface.
 29. (canceled)
 30. The assembly according toclaim 28, wherein the second total internal reflection optical surfaceand fourth refractive optical surface are arranged with respect to oneanother and configured such that an entirety of the second beam ofbacterial disinfecting light received at the second total internalreflection optical surface is reflected onto the second refractiveoptical surface through the second body.